Being a portrait painting art teacher

When you teach art, people believe that you know where its all about. And all you say is the truth and nothing but the truth. During my portrait painting classes from time to time I tell my students “Please don’t believe what I say, find your own truth”!  OK, I help people to get along with technical issues, I tell them about the chiaroscuro, the values, the colour balance, the composition and all that. I have realized I know something and that is why I want to share this knowledge. BUT

Every now and then when I see for instance a portrait by Velazquez I am deeply aware that I know very little. Especially this portrait of Juan de Pareja makes me realize my own nothingness.

Juan de Pareja VelazquezJuan de Pareja, Velazquez.

2 Replies to “Being a portrait painting art teacher”

  1. Beautifully said, very eloquent, I get what you’re saying. It is with your insight and help that I am improving in my art skills and you are great at keeping me out here on my own with a nudge of guidance and out of the nest, so to speak. I love your words about realizing your own nothingness sometimes. You are a great help to me and I am trying to find MY OWN TRUTH!
    You’re the Best,
    Gina from Kentucky 🙂

  2. I can truly relate to your very wise words ! In all it’s aspects.
    From my kids (who are almost grown adults)to those who i try to relate a bit of knowledge ,i always try to be as accurate possible .But…..i tell them also,don’t take my word for it,do some research.We live in the 21 st century. The world right now is an open book,because of the advent of ‘the net’. The telephone made the world small…the net…made it alot smaller. 🙂

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